Go Back

Chinese Chicken Salad with Dates

A healthy, paleo, and gluten-free Chinese chicken salad with a delicious sesame dressing, dates for sweetness, and a mix of crunchy vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken cubed, about 2lb raw
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup red cabbage shredded
  • 1 cup carrots shredded
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds lightly toasted
  • 2 Natural Delights® medjool dates chopped, pitted
  • 2 stalks green onions chopped, both white and green parts
  • Sesame seeds optional, for garnish
  • Sesame Dressing Ingredients:
  • 2 pitted Natural Delights® medjool dates soaked for blending
  • 3 tbsp coconut aminos soy sauce substitute
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil high-quality preferred
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove peeled
  • 1/2 inch piece fresh ginger peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper freshly ground preferred
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt adjust to taste

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Dressing:
  2. Add all dressing ingredients to your blender, starting with the softest ingredients first. Let the dates soak in the liquids for about 5 minutes while you prep the salad ingredients. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  3. Prepare the Salad:
  4. While the dates are soaking, chop the romaine lettuce, shred the red cabbage and carrots using a food processor. Cube the chicken into uniform pieces. Chop the dates and green onions.
  5. Assemble the Salad:
  6. Combine all salad ingredients (except sesame seeds) in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. The dressing should coat the ingredients without pooling at the bottom.
  7. Serve:
  8. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top if using and serve immediately for the best texture and crunch.

Notes

For a quick and easy option, use leftover rotisserie chicken.
You can make the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just shake well before using.
If you can't find medjool dates, regular pitted dates work well, though they may need longer soaking.
Store the undressed salad components separately for meal prep. Dress the salad just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.
This salad is versatile; add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or cucumbers for extra crunch and color.